BALQ vs. QCAP

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

BALQ (iShares Nasdaq Premium Income Active ETF) and QCAP (FT Vest NASDAQ-100 Conservative Buffer ETF - April) are both Nasdaq-100 funds. Both are actively managed. Their correlation of 0.80 suggests significant overlap in exposure. BALQ charges 0.35%/yr vs 0.90%/yr for QCAP.

Performance

BALQ vs. QCAP - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares Nasdaq Premium Income Active ETF (BALQ) and FT Vest NASDAQ-100 Conservative Buffer ETF - April (QCAP). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, BALQ achieves a 22.89% return, which is significantly higher than QCAP's 5.23% return.

BALQ

• 1D: -0.21%
• 1M: 11.15%
• YTD: 22.89%
• 6M: 22.29%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

QCAP

• 1D: -0.08%
• 1M: 2.34%
• YTD: 5.23%
• 6M: 5.92%
• 1Y: 11.06%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

BALQ vs. QCAP - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
BALQ iShares Nasdaq Premium Income Active ETF	22.89%	-0.49%
QCAP FT Vest NASDAQ-100 Conservative Buffer ETF - April	5.23%	0.66%

Correlation

The correlation between BALQ and QCAP is 0.80, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 4, 2025	0.80

Return for Risk

BALQ vs. QCAP — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

QCAP

QCAP Risk / Return Rank: 97
QCAP Sharpe Ratio Rank: 96
QCAP Sortino Ratio Rank: 98
QCAP Omega Ratio Rank: 98
QCAP Calmar Ratio Rank: 98
QCAP Martin Ratio Rank: 98

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

BALQ vs. QCAP - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Nasdaq Premium Income Active ETF (BALQ) and FT Vest NASDAQ-100 Conservative Buffer ETF - April (QCAP). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	BALQ	QCAP	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	4.17	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	2.81	1.26	+1.56

Drawdowns

BALQ vs. QCAP - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BALQ drawdown since its inception was -11.79%, which is greater than QCAP's maximum drawdown of -9.17%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BALQ and QCAP.

Drawdown Indicators

	BALQ	QCAP	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-11.79%	-9.17%	-2.62%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-0.82%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.21%	-0.08%	-0.13%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.37%	-0.52%	-1.85%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	0.16%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	BALQ	QCAP	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	0.99%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	1.93%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.03%	2.69%	+15.34%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.03%	8.73%	+9.30%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.03%	8.73%	+9.30%

BALQ vs. QCAP - Expense Ratio Comparison

BALQ has a 0.35% expense ratio, which is lower than QCAP's 0.90% expense ratio.

Dividends

BALQ vs. QCAP - Dividend Comparison

BALQ's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.59%, while QCAP has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025
BALQ iShares Nasdaq Premium Income Active ETF	4.59%	0.95%
QCAP FT Vest NASDAQ-100 Conservative Buffer ETF - April	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BALQ and QCAP in my portfolio?

BALQ and QCAP have a correlation of 0.80, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, BALQ or QCAP?

On fees, BALQ is cheaper at 0.35% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, BALQ or QCAP?

BALQ is cheaper with a 0.35% expense ratio, compared with 0.90% for QCAP.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, BALQ or QCAP?

BALQ has the higher dividend yield at 4.59%, compared with 0.00% for QCAP.

What is the main difference between BALQ and QCAP?

They also come from different issuers: iShares and FT Vest. Their fees differ too: 0.35% for BALQ and 0.90% for QCAP.